Income (such as wages and Social Security) can be garnished to repay the loans

The amount of student loan debt is far greater than credit card debt.

It is difficult to get a deferment; it can only be done by Forbearance. Interest still accumulates.

If the loan goes into default, which could happen with just a few months of non-payment--a rough spot in someone's life, interest can go to 20% or higher. In 3.5 years, the original loan amount doubles, and in 7 years, the amount quadruples.

There will be several loans to make payments on. If they are consolidated, the original low interest rate is lost.

If the loan defaults, in addition to the principal and outrageous interest, more debt in other forms can be added. These include

You can be an entrepreneur. You will NOT need a degree.In running your own consulting company for small businesses, you can provide the following services (what you don't yet know--outsourcefor cheap on Fivver.com or via the classifieds on WarriorForum.com or othersimilar places):

SEO (organic search engine optimization -- online marketing)

SEM (search engine marketing via paying for advertising)

Getting the business listed on GooglePlaces and free directories

Creating a Facebook fan page

Getting followers on Facebook or Twitter

Adding content to web sites

Creating a mobile site

Creating a web site or improving existing site

Creating a logo and header graphics

Email marketing

Reputation management (monitor comments--get bad deleted)

Video creation

List building

Creating a system for inventory mgt or billing

Creating a data entry form that ties into their database

Create reports

Create a simple app

etc.

You can get a job in the Corporate world. You will need a degree.

Degree? A test you can do right now:Go to dice.com, click on Advanced Search, plug in within 50 miles of your zip code for a main search, and for the keyword part:"any" (instead of "all") of the following: php, javascript, html, css(plus whatever else you know). Look at the "job requirements" of each result todetermine how often a college degree is needed.

If you do decide to opt for a 4-year degree, take required classes at acommunity college--it is much cheaper--and then transfer after gettinga two year AA degree. Work as an intern while attending college to getexperience.

Finally, you can teach yourself via killersites.com (and other resources such as books)as a full time (non-paying) job, really working at it and thoroughly learning,and when you think you can truly offer value to a company, try to get a job.

If you can't get hired because you don't have experience, see if putting together aportfolio helps.

If you still can't get a job, work for free as an intern or volunteer.

Some people advise "getting your foot in the door" by doing other stuff, but I think thiscan backfire by diminishing your value. Besides, how office does the help desk person getpromoted to web developer? Probably not often. (Although, if the company offers free training orcollege, that's another story.)

Finally, if all else fails, there is place online where you can order a fake previousjob employment reference along with a recommendation from your "manager". (Sometimes,you have to do what you have to do to survive. If you haven't been there, don't condemn it.)(Note: Do not fake education. Do not say you can do things you can't (unless it is somethingsuper simple, like Excel, that you can learn between your interview and hire date.)

Stefan, if you can provide the means for us to create a portfolio, that would be awesome!Even just guidelines on how to go about creating one, and what would be good to put in it, wouldbe helpful.